Non-hazardous pest control

Abstract

A hazard-free method for controlling insects using a non-toxic composition that kills by dehydration. The invention includes a process for making the composition in the form of crystalline particles which penetrate directly through the exoskeleton of an insect. In operation, the particles work themselves between the insect's protective body plates and then pierce the exoskeleton. Once inside, the particles absorb up to four times their weight of the vital body fluids of the insect. The penetration of the body plates and exoskeleton and/or dehydration ultimately results in death of the insect.

I claim: 
     
       1. A pesticide for controlling insects, consisting essentially of a crystalline powder having 30%-35% by weight calcium carbonate, 60%-65% by weight alkali metal bicarbonate, a scenting agent, and an absorbent material, the crystalline powder having a size of about 0.1 micron, whereby the crystalline powder pierces the exoskeleton of the insects and penetrates therein. 
     
     
       2. The pesticide of claim 1 wherein said alkali metal bicarbonate is sodium bicarbonate. 
     
     
       3. The pesticide of claim 1 wherein said scenting agent is a fragrance oil. 
     
     
       4. The pesticide of claim 1 wherein said absorbent material is a diatomaceous material. 
     
     
       5. The pesticide of claim 1 consisting essentially of said crystalline powder having 30%-35% calcium carbonate, 60%-65% alkali metal bicarbonate, 1%-2% scenting agent, and 4%-5% absorbent material, all by weight. 
     
     
       6. A method of applying insecticide directly through the exoskeleton of an insect, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of a composition consisting essentially of powdered crystals of said insecticide, the insecticide being, by weight, 30%-35% calcium carbonate, 60%-65% alkali metal bicarbonate, 1%-2% scenting agent and 4%-5% absorbent material, the crystals having a size of about 0.1 micron whereby the crystalline powder pierces the exoskeleton of said insect and penetrates therein.